Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), along with two members of the association’s Board of Trustees, have been named to the NJBIZ 2026 Power 100 list. This annual ranking highlights influential business leaders in New Jersey.
The recognized board members are Dr. Teik Lim, president of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich, CEO of ZAGO Manufacturing. Dr. Lim joined the NJBIA board in 2024, while Rottenstrich has served since 2023.
NJBIZ editor Jeffrey Kanige described this year’s Power 100 as honoring “individuals who are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business.”
NJBIZ highlighted Michele Siekerka’s leadership at NJBIA: “As president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Siekerka leads one of the nation’s most influential statewide employer organizations,” adding that “since her tenure began in October 2014, NJBIA has expanded its voice on critical policy issues affecting New Jersey businesses while enhancing member services and resources.” The publication also noted that Siekerka is known for her strategic insights into policies designed to improve affordability and competitiveness in New Jersey. Ahead of the state’s next gubernatorial election, she presented NJBIA’s Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey, a document aimed at promoting innovation and economic growth.
Dr. Teik Lim was recognized for his work since becoming NJIT’s ninth president in 2022: “Lim has worked aggressively and inclusively to raise the school’s profile, its reception and its partnerships,” according to NJBIZ. As part of a statewide artificial intelligence initiative, NJIT joined forces with NVIDIA and other institutions to expand AI education and workforce development. Through this collaboration, NJIT will help utilize shared high-performance computing resources for student training and research linked to industry needs.
Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich co-founded ZAGO Manufacturing over three decades ago after working as a corporate attorney. As CEO she leads a company providing high-tech sustainable solutions: “As CEO of ZAGO Manufacturing Co., Rottenstrich leads an award-winning company with a client roster that includes Apple, Lockheed Martin, Ferrari, Google and the U.S. military,” said NJBIZ. The company operates from Newark manufacturing sealing fasteners for industries such as aerospace and medical devices.
ZAGO invests in its community through initiatives like scholarships and internships under its Sustainability 360° program while supporting STEM education in underserved areas.
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association serves as both the largest statewide employer organization in the country—representing private-sector employers across many sectors—and an advocate offering practical information alongside cost-saving benefits for business prosperity. Headquartered in Trenton since its founding in 1910,the association advances member success by fostering partnerships among businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions under Siekerka’s leadership.More information about their activities can be found on their official website.
